A series of hurricanes caused damage to hundreds of horticultural businesses last weekend. Horticultural insurance company Gartenbau-Versicherung estimates the total volume of claims to be up to 12 million euros, for now. The majority of the 700-800 storm damages occurred in companies located north of an imaginary line between Cologne and Berlin, i.e. approximately in central and northern Germany. Damage was also reported over the weekend from the Netherlands and, to a lesser extent, from northern France. In all regions, most of the losses remained below 10,000 euros. However, there were also isolated cases of major damage, with damage to crops in particular exceeding the million euro mark.
A damaged potting shed
Major damage in the six- or seven-figure range occurs during storms, especially when sensitive crops are exposed to the elements through holes in the roof. This also happened as a result of hurricane "Zeynep". Sometimes, however, major damage results from the fact that an initially small gap in the roofing cannot be closed promptly. In this case, a single strong gust of wind can attack the pre-damaged roof and cause extensive damage.
Repair as quickly as possible or temporary waterproofing
"With the weather conditions still unstable, we therefore recommend the quickest possible repair or at least provisional sealing," explains Manfred Klunke, CEO of the insurer. In this respect, he adds, businesses that have already stocked up on glass panes are at an advantage, as the situation on the materials market remains tense. "We are always pleased with our members when they quickly return to normal business operations by acting with foresight and we are able to conclude the settlement quickly," Klunke said.
Storm damage at herb farm
With wind speeds of up to 162 km/h on the German coast, the winter storms over the weekend were reminiscent of the last particularly damaging storm, "Kyrill," in 2007. Fifteen years ago, the horticultural insurance company settled for around 9 million euros at the considerably lower price level at the time, but this was still on a much weaker premium basis.
Images: Gartenbau-Versicherung VVaG
For more information:
Gartenbau-Versicherung VVaG
Von-Frerichs-Str. 8
65191 Wiesbaden
Tel.: +49 611 – 56 94 252
info@gevau.de
www.gevau.de